Former Idols winner Karin Kortje opens up about murder saga

For the first time, Karin Kortje has spoken out about the night her ex-boyfriend killed Renate Kellerman, and how badly this has affected her singing career.

The former Idols winner poured her heart out after apparently having a dream.
Former Idols winner Karin Kortje says having a convicted killer as an ex-boyfriend has affected her singing career.
The 36-year-old took to Facebook to speak about her anguish after Cheslin Williams was found guilty of murdering the Le Petit Chateau guesthouse owner in Durbanville.

Kellerman’s body was found on 13 July 2006, and three years later Williams was convicted of her brutal murder.
He was sentenced to life in prison for murder and an additional five years for theft and eight years for attempted rape.

Williams died in prison of leukaemia in May 2015.

Mother of four, Karin, who announced her divorce from hubby Shaundore Aspeling in July, had her name dragged through the mud for having a killer lover, and says her career suffered because of it.

The apple picker from Grabouw won Idols in 2005.

Early on Tuesday morning, she posted: “I dreamt myself and my soon to be ex-husband, Shaundore, was invited to a social gathering at a friend’s house.

“While the two of them chatted with two white couples, one of the men suggested they confess their ‘most dangerous and emotional experiences’. She agreed, but the dream soon turned into a nightmare as the man seemed uninterested in hearing her side of the story of the night Renate was killed.”

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Karin said: “I will never get over that fatal night. I will never get over the fact that a part of me died with Renate Kellerman. NEVER EVER! (sic)

“I couldn’t and still don’t understand why it all happened and I realised that I will pay for it for the rest of my life. Knowing so many has closed their hearts and turned their backs. And they know who they are.”

The I’m So Ready singer then explains how she lived in fear of bumping into Renate’s family.

In response to Facebook user Diane Acton, she wrote: “I flew to Jhb a few years back to personally meet up with the family of Renate Kellerman to go and beg for their forgiveness… To sit in one room with the family and seeing those children for the first time after that fatal night.

“Having their blessing is such an amazing feeling. Because I used to beat myself up over the fact that I might run into them one day and then what do I say.”

She ended her Facebook post by saying: “As much as I have (found) peace, I’m struggling as an artist to make it… and I know 90% of the reason is because of what happened… I will not give up on my dream to one day become the success story so many Karins out there long for.”